Boat Races

oat races are an integral part of Kerala's culture and heritage. These races, which are held during the monsoon season, are an exciting spectacle that draws large crowds from around the world. Here's a brief history of boat races in Kerala, and some of the top boat races to attend.

History:
Boat races have been a part of Kerala's culture for centuries, and were originally held as part of temple festivals and other religious events. Over time, the races evolved into a competitive sport, with different communities and villages vying for supremacy on the water. Today, boat races are a popular tourist attraction, with both locals and visitors enjoying the spectacle and excitement of these events.

Top Boat Races:

Nehru Trophy Boat Race: This is the most famous and prestigious boat race in Kerala, held annually on the second Saturday of August on the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. The race was started in 1952 in honor of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, who visited the region and was impressed by the traditional boat races.

Aranmula Boat Race: This is another popular boat race held in Kerala, and is famous for its traditional snake boats or 'chundan vallam.' The race is held during the Onam festival, which usually falls in August or September, and takes place on the Pampa River in Aranmula.

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race: This is one of the oldest boat races in Kerala, and is held in the month of June on the Pamba River in Alappuzha. The race is held as part of the Champakulam Moolam festival, which celebrates the installation of the deity at the local temple.

Payippad Boat Race: This is another popular boat race held in Kerala, and is held during the Onam festival on the Payippad Lake in Alappuzha. The race features several types of boats, including the traditional snake boats and smaller canoes.

Kallada Boat Race: This boat race is held on the Kallada River in Kollam district, and is known for its fierce competition and exciting finish. The race takes place in September or October, and is a highlight of the annual festival at the Mahadeva Temple in Kallada.

These are just a few of the many boat races held in Kerala. Each race has its own unique traditions and history, and offers a thrilling spectacle that is not to be missed. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Kerala, attending a boat race is a great way to experience the state's rich cultural heritage.

Boat Races or Vallam Kali means boat game (race) and it is a tradition of Kerala. Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali, Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, Kumarakom Boat Race, Neerettupuram Boat Race, Thazhathangadi Boat Race, Payippad Jalotsavam etc. are listed.

• Champakulam Moolam Boat Race : The Champakulam boat race is the first one of the season and has a tradition that goes back to centuries.
• Nehru Trophy Boat Race : The Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every year, is the most competitive and popular of the boat races.
• Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali : Aranmula Boat Race is a world renowned and highly popular event, held on the Pampa River near the Sree Parthasarathy Temple at Aranmula.
• Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race : This boat race is organized in memory of the late Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi.
• Kumarakom Boat Race : The Kumarakom Boat Race also known as Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race.
• Thazhathangadi Boat Race : Thazhathangadi Boat Race is held during Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, which falls either in August or September.
• Neerettupuram Boat Race : The boat race is held on Thiruvonam day. 4-6 snake boats and various other boats traditionally participate in this race.
• Ochirakali Boat Race : Ochirakali is an annual event in the Sri Parabrahma temple, which aims at highlighting the martial skills of participants
• Payippad Jalotsavam : Payippad Vallaarattu is a three day water festival. It is conducted in Payippad Lake, 35 km from Alappuzha.
• Indira Gandhi Boat Race : Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a boat race festival celebrated in the last week of December in the backwaters of Kochi.